Colorado Careless Driving

Colorado Careless Driving, C.R.S. 42-4-1402

Denver Careless Driving Attorney

With the influx of drivers on Denver’s busy roads, especially on I-25, it’s hard to take a drive without noticing at least one incident of bad driving. Although we’ve all made mistakes behind the wheel, careless driving endangers all of us and can lead to significant criminal penalties if you’re convicted. Whether it is texting and driving, taking a turn too sharp, or driving too fast in Colorado’s unpredictable weather, all of these behaviors can be evidence of careless driving.

Colorado Careless Driving Defined

C.R.S. 42-4-1402 – Careless Driving – is defined as:

“A person who drives a motor vehicle, bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter in a careless and imprudent manner, without due regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and use of the streets and highways and all other attendant circumstances, is guilty of careless driving.”

As outlined by the statute above, even bicyclists and those driving scooters can be charged with careless driving. It is important to note that you can be charged with careless driving even when there is no accident, injury, or property damage.

Sentencing for Careless Driving in Colorado

Any person found guilty of careless driving commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense which can carry a jail sentence of 10 to 90 days, and a fine of $150 up to $300. Additionally, 4 points will be assessed against your Department of Motor Vehicles driver’s license.

If the careless driving results in serious bodily injury to another, that person commits a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense. If the careless driving is the proximate cause of death to another, then such person commits a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense punishable by a jail sentence of 10 to 365 days, a fine of $300 up to $1,000, and 12 points assessed to your driver’s license.

On top of the potential criminal and DMV penalties, a careless driving conviction can lead to an increase in your car insurance premium. At the Law Office of Andres R. Guevara our attorneys have experience representing clients charged with careless driving, across the Front Range in Arapahoe, Douglas, Adams, Boulder, and Weld County. If you or someone you know has been charged with careless driving, you are not alone. We are dedicated to protecting your legal rights and will be by your side to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. We encourage you to contact on of our skilled lawyers today.